Previous Year Question
Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?
Bali
Brunei
Java
Singapore
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Location of the Strait of Malacca
The Strait of Malacca lies between the Malay Peninsula to its north-east and the Indonesian island of Sumatra to its south-west.
Its north-western part opens towards the Andaman Sea, which forms part of the Indian Ocean.
In the south-east, it provides a route towards the South China Sea through the Singapore Strait.
Why is Singapore the correct answer?
Singapore is situated near the southern end of the Malay Peninsula.
Ships proceeding eastwards through the Strait of Malacca pass near Singapore and the Singapore Strait at its southern exit.
Therefore, while travelling through the Strait of Malacca, one can come across Singapore.
Why are the other options incorrect?
Bali: It lies east of Java and is not located on the Strait of Malacca route.
Brunei: It is situated on the northern coast of Borneo and lies considerably east of the Strait of Malacca.
Java: It lies south-east of Sumatra. The Sunda Strait separates Java from Sumatra.
Singapore: It is situated at the south-eastern end of the major navigational route formed by the Malacca and Singapore Straits.
Strategic importance
The Malacca-Singapore Straits constitute one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. Consequently, this passage is an important maritime chokepoint for global trade and energy transportation.